Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children

What are pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children?

Pharyngitis is redness, pain, and swelling of the throat (pharynx). Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are a pair of tissue masses on either side of the back of the throat. They are part of the immune system, the part of the body that fights infection and other disease. Your child may have pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or both (pharyngotonsillitis).

What causes pharyngitis and tonsillitis in a child?

Pharyngitis can be caused by many things. Viral infections are the most common cause. Tonsillitis is usually from viral or bacterial infections. Other causes include:

Bacteria, such as those that cause strep throat

Fungi, such as in those that cause a yeast infection

Allergies, like hay fever or allergies affecting the nose

Sinus infection

Cancers

Injuries

Irritants, like cigarette smoke or air pollution

Stomach acids in the throat

Which children are at risk for pharyngitis and tonsillitis?

Viral and bacterial infections are spread by close contact with other people who are sick. For example, kids attending school or daycare are at risk. This is especially true during the winter months, when most viral and bacterial infections happen.

What are the symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:

Sore throat

Trouble or painful swallowing

Enlarged, painful neck glands

Hoarseness or change in voice

Fever or chills

Headache

Ear pain

Nausea and vomiting

Belly pain

Feeling achy and tired

Red or swollen throat

Red or enlarged tonsils

Throat or tonsils may have a whitish discharge

Trouble breathing or snoring

The symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How are pharyngitis and tonsillitis diagnosed in a child?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child’s current symptoms. He or she will check your child's temperature. The provider will examine your child, paying close attention to the ears, nose, throat, and tonsils. Depending on your child’s symptoms, the provider may do a throat culture or blood tests.

Your child may have a rapid strep test. This is a fast test to see if your child has strep throat. It is important to check for strep throat to treat it and prevent complications. Your child may also have a throat culture and sensitivity. This also checks for strep and for the best antibiotic to treat it. It takes a few days to get the results. Blood work may be done to check for infections like mono (infectious mononucleosis).

How are pharyngitis and tonsillitis treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

If your child has a bacterial infection, then he or she will be treated with antibiotics. If bacteria are not the cause of the infection, then the treatment will focus on making your child comfortable. Treatment may include:

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen as a liquid or pills for pain. Other medicines or treatments may be recommended for severe pain.

Increasing how much your child drinks. Some teas have ingredients that soothe the throat.

Tonsillitis may also require a hospital stay if enlarged tonsils are blocking the airways. In some children with recurrent tonsillitis, the healthcare provider may recommend that your child have his or her tonsils removed (tonsillectomy). Your child's healthcare provider will likely want you to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT).

Can pharyngitis and tonsilitis be prevented in children?

To help prevent getting ill:

Practice good hand hand hygiene.

Avoid close contact with people who have sore throats, cold, or other upper respiratory infections.

Don't smoke and stay away from second hand smoke.

Keep up to date with your immunizations.

What are the possible complications of pharyngitis and tonsillitis in a child?

Complications of pharyngitis and tonsillitis are:

Serious infections in the throat area

Loss of fluid or dehydration in the body from trouble eating and drinking

Breathing problems from very large tonsils with tonsillitis

Untreated strep throat may lead to heart and kidney problems, middle ear infection, lung infection, or infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your child's healthcare provider if your child has:

A sore throat, especially if it does not go away in a few days

A sore throat and other symptoms, such as a fever

Call 911 or your local emergency number if your child has:

Trouble breathing

A severe sore throat and has difficulty swallowing or breathing, is drooling, or has a stiff neck or neck swelling

Key points about pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils.

Viruses are the most common cause. They do not require antibiotics for treatment.

If bacteria are not the cause of the infection, treatment is focused on the comfort of your child.

If your child’s sore throat is severe and includes difficulty swallowing or breathing, drooling, stiff neck, or neck swelling, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Online Source: American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeryhttp://www.entnet.org/healthinformation/tonsillitis.cfm